Introduction to annotated catalog
Native Sons celebrates our twenty-eighth year in the horticulture industry with this, our second annotated catalog. The years have brought many changes both to the Central Coast and across the face of California. Through these changes we have remained committed to providing California gardeners with plants that flourish in a Mediterranean climate.
A Mediterranean climate characterizes much of California, particularly the coastal regions, and is defined by moderate winter rainfall and warm dry summers. The cyclical shortage of summer water provides a formidable challenge to gardeners and has lead many to seek out plants that will endure and thrive in such conditions.
The palette of plants we offer is selected to match California's coastal Mediterranean conditions. We draw from our native California flora as well as from the other Mediterranean floras of the world; Australia, South Africa, Chile and the Mediterranean Basin. It is our hope that by offering these plants we might foster a heightened awareness of our climate and the ecological realities inherent in such an environment.
The information that follows comes directly from our personal experience growing and gardening with these plants here on the Central Coast. It is important to note that in other areas of California – for instance in the far north or inland valleys – these plants may perform somewhat differently. An ornamental grass that grows to 2-3 feet in our sandy soils may grow to 4 or even 5’ in more fertile soils north or south of us. We present our information as a guideline, but gladly defer to local wisdom in other regions of the state.
How to use this catalog
The listings are arranged alphabetically with separate sections for Ferns and also for Grasses and Grasslike Species. Each entry includes the scientific name, common name, description of ornamental features, watering suggestions, hardiness, origin, and anecdotal references where appropriate. We have attempted to provide information on all of the cultivars we currently produce, but because we are continually introducing new selections, a few plants may not be included.
For prices, sizes and availability please refer to our Priced Catalog and/or weekly availability lists.
A few words about water
Throughout the catalog we offer watering suggestions for established plants. Again, these suggestions are based on our experience on the Central Coast. Water requirements will vary considerably in the hotter, more arid conditions of the inland valleys and in the cooler, moister regions of Northern California.
Once established, few of our plants will require supplemental water during the wet winter months. During the dry months of the year however, please note the following guidelines:
Regular water Weekly, or every 3-4 days in very hot or windy conditions
Moderate water Every 10-14 days, again depending on climatic conditions
Occasional water Every 3-4 weeks
Infrequent water Deep water every 4-6 weeks in summer
Watering schedules throughout the year will be dependent upon a range of factors including age of the planting, soil type, microclimate, exposure and of course weather. It is our feeling that the best watering schedule takes all of these factors into consideration. For example, newly planted material will require more frequent watering than the same plants in an established bed.
Hardiness
Hardiness recommendations are based upon the performance of established, mature plants. Young plants and those in containers will be less hardy and are more likely to be damaged at low temperatures. Any plants protected by the overhang of a large tree or building, or those in sheltered corners of a garden will gain a few degrees of hardiness and are likely to sustain less damage. Below 15F our numbers are largely taken from reference materials and from colleagues who garden in colder climates. For coldest regions, we urge you to check with growers and gardeners in your area.
Finale
We welcome your input and look forward to hearing about your experiences with these plants. Please feel free to offer feedback via email regarding the content or format of this catalog, and if you have any suggestions for future editions, we welcome those as well. And finally, we offer our sincerest thanks to all of you have supported Native Sons over the past twenty- eight years! It has been a pleasure sharing our love of plants and gardening experiences with you.
The catalog is in the process of being updated with new plants and photos...please stay tuned.
The annotated catalog
Abutilon to Aurinia
Baccharis to Bulbinella
Callistemon to Cymbalaria
Daphne to Dymondia
Echium to Euphorbia
Ferns
Fragaria to Fuschia
Galium to Grevillea
Grasses and Grass like Plants
Halimiocistus to Hunnemania
Iberis to Kunzea
Lamium to Lyonothamnus
Malacothamnus to Myrica
Nandina to Nepeta
Oenothera to Ozothamnus
Parahebe to Prunus
Quercus to Ruta
Salix to Symphoricarpos
Tagetes to Tulbaghia
Umbellularia to Zephyranthesall images copyright Native Sons, Inc.